Follow TV Fanatic Girl on Twitter!

Category: Once upon a Time

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 22 series finale last night, Regina gets it right when she says, “This isn’t an ending. I hate endings because then your story’s done.” She reminds us that our stories are far from over and it’s not exactly a new beginning, as Emma suggested, but really more of “a second chance.” I have to say that this series finale was an emotional roller coaster for me, reminding me why I fell in love with this show in the first place and why it will always remain a favorite for me for years to come. Please note major spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.In last night’s series finale, “Leaving Storybrooke,” Alice and Robin try to find some help for their family and realize how complicated it is to explain time travel. Meanwhile, Rumple and Nook try to break out of the snow globe and Regina desperately attempts to get through to alter-ego Henry before he does something he can never take back. My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 22 series finale are:

5

“Our story was so short. Doesn’t make it any less epic.”

Alter-ego Henry has a lot of bottled up anger and plans on taking it out on Regina. He blames her for all of his problems and thinks that ending her life will bring him some kind of satisfaction. Regina doesn’t give up and reminds him that in another realm she is his mother. In a touching moment she says, “You’ve saved me. Please let me save you now.” Henry initially turns his mother away, leaving her alone in a prison cell. While Regina is dreaming, Robin visits her, as he is always still in her heart. She tells him how much she has missed him and explains she may be joining him. Regina clearly remembers being a villain and starts to think that maybe this is what she deserves. However, the goodness in her is articulated by Robin, who tells her that she was able to move her dark actions to the light and that was all because of her. He tells her that “her life is proof that no one’s path is set,” foreshadowing some of the events to occur later on. Robin provides Regina with the strength she needs when it seems like the world is against her. When he tells her how epic their love was, I have to admit that the tears already started coming. While it seems beyond unfair that these two cannot be together, Robin will always be in Regina’s heart, reminding her that her new path is one of goodness and love.

4

Mad Archer gets their happy ending.

While I was initially hesitant about all of the changes in season 7, Mad Archer always kept me smiling and cheering for them. Alice and Robin are beyond adorable and their love is pure and innocent. They have an undeniable friendship and will do anything to protect the other. In an absolutely swoon-worthy moment, Robin asks Nook for his blessing to marry Alice and he happily agrees. Nook’s heart is severely weakened from the curse, but Robin reassures him, “no matter what you are walking Alice down that aisle!” While we don’t get to see the wedding for these two, I am hoping that a spin-off or special may be in their future? If not, it is definitely something to consider as these two beautiful and courageous women turn browsing a bookstore into an adventure. Who wouldn’t want to watch these two lovelies take on the world? Either way, we know that they have earned their happily ever after and they are responsible for saving Nook and the others from the snow globe, proving that they can be quite resourceful and convincing. Of course they do have an assist from the absolutely fabulous Zelena, who doesn’t turn away from an opportunity to take a Selfie or to help her daughter from the future. While they may have unintentionally angered Grumpy after destroying his lunch, one can’t help but fall in love with these two, as they will stop at nothing to protect the ones they love. Their awkwardness makes them that much more adorable, proving that these two are truly meant for one another. Well deserved Mad Archer!

3

“We heard you needed some help.”

After breaking out of the snow globe, Henry rushes off to save his mother, Regina. He runs into a little trouble on the way and is saved by his grandparents, Snow White and Prince Charming! While I was expecting them to turn up sooner or later, I was squealing and cheering for two of my favorite characters. Snow and Charming bring together a round table to discuss their plan of action and look around them to see friends who used to be enemies, a new generation, and new friends who remind them of old friends, allowing Nook to take his rightful place at the table. They learn that Wish Rumple’s plan is to use alter-ego Henry’s emotions against him so that he can cast a spell that will trap every single hero in their own portal or prison of loneliness. He tests the spell out on poor Blue who doesn’t even really get a chance to interrupt, but it’s clear that this fate ends with all of our favorite characters winding up alone. Snow White explains that they need to remind everyone not to lose hope and that they just have to believe to succeed. While Snow White is certainly keeping a positive attitude here, Wish Rumple is ready to unleash his spell on every hero who has ever gotten in his way.

2

“A weak coward will not be the Rumplestiltskin the world remembers.”

Rumple refuses to let Wish Rumple win. As the portals are all opened, Regina finally gets through to alter-ego Henry and ends the initial threat. However, Wish Rumple is not about to give up that easily. Our Rumple explains that he has evolved and is ready to do what’s right. He even calls Wish Rumple “crocodile!” He knows that he will be giving up his chance to see Belle again, but is finally ready to embrace the goodness that has been trying to surface for so long. It’s about time. Rumple makes the ultimate sacrifice and rips out his own heart. This destroys Wish Rumple and he gives his heart to Nook who is dying after holding on to Alice so she wouldn’t go through the portal. The curse between Nook and Alice is broken and Nook is healed. Earlier Rumple revealed to Nook, “you were the closest thing I ever had to a friend,” which is heartwarming enough, but when Rumple sacrifices his own heart to save his dear friend, his goodness has finally shined through. Rumple is gone but not forgotten and Regina thanks him for saving them and whispers to him that he does deserve his happy ending. Belle is waiting for Rumple in the afterlife and the reunion between these two is simply beautiful. They share a kiss and fade away to their next adventure. Even though Rumple is gone, his story will live on and he is not alone anymore. Robin’s earlier words to Regina about no one’s path being set come true here, proving that the greatest of all villains can become a hero one can be proud of.

1

“I now crown you The Good Queen.”

After the threat with Wish Rumple is finally over, Regina recognizes that they still need to figure out how to get everyone back to their right time and place. However, she suddenly has a better idea and realizes that they need to cast one more curse. Only this time everyone will willingly offer up a small piece of their heart for it to work. The magic can bring everyone together, allowing all of the realms to exist in Storybrooke. Regina talks about Storybrooke being a secret place tucked away in a forgotten corner in Maine and that’s what fairy-tales are. They are secretly tucked away under our bed or on our bookshelf and it’s up to us to dust them off and discover mystery and adventure with each new story. All of the pages come together to make a true collection and to bring together our favorite characters, opening our eyes to the unimaginable. They give us something to believe in and everyone believes in Regina right now after she is able to successfully bring them all together. Regina is the new elected ruler to her surprise and everyone is here to support her. The Evil Queen has truly become “The Good Queen.” Emma rushes in fashionably late with Hook and their baby, Hope, bringing cheers to OUAT fans everywhere. After Regina talks about this being “a second chance” rather than an ending, she brings us back to all of the moments that made us cheer, laugh, and cry. She says, “I refuse to believe there won’t be more adventures, more love, more family, and yes there will be more loss because that’s just a part of life and in the end we can get past it all with hope.” While she speaks these words that really resonate with all of us, we flash back to some of those pivotal moments in Once Upon a Time, providing us with the perfect blend of nostalgia and closure.

The series ends with us leaving Storybrooke and takes a moment to pass by the yellow bug and some of our favorite places in town, but it’s not goodbye. We can always go back to Storybrooke anytime we want. Our favorite characters still have untold stories that will continue on as long as we keep believing in them and passing them on to the next generation. We all need something to believe in and OUAT truly sparked this in all of us, immersing us in a world filled with endless possibilities. No one’s story is set in stone and we all have the chance to spread goodness to those people we love and to those people who may have some trouble believing. It’s up to us to never give up and to continue to believe in magic and love, which will keep us strong even when the days don’t shine as brightly. Thank you Once Upon a Timefor giving us fans seven years of magic that will never be forgotten.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below. Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 21 last night, Henry talks about the importance of finding one’s happy ending the right way. Unfortunately not everyone shares this belief, which we quickly learn during the first half of the series finale. While sometimes patience, hope, and good deeds can be enough to fulfill our days, some characters are not able to overcome the overwhelming sense of defeat and loneliness within them. Perhaps we all have the potential to become a villain, only we surround ourselves with people we love and things that make us happy to remind us to stay on a good path. It’s hard not to be sympathetic to those who wander off the path, however, which can lead to darkness. While these villains may not realize the damage that they are causing before it’s too late, it’s up to the heroes still existing to fight for good to prevail. And it’s also important to know when to ask for help, as none of us are in this alone. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.In last night’s episode, “Homecoming,” wish Rumple pays Henry a visit and offers him a deal. Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook promises Tilly/Alice that he will find a way for their own curse to be broken, Tiana/Sabine has doubts about her purpose, and Rumple takes on the greatest enemy he will ever face…himself. My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 21 are:

5

Wish Rumple threatens Henry.

Just as the curse is broken and everyone’s memory is restored, it seems like our happy ending is right around the corner. Only there is one more test that everyone must face in order to obtain it. Henry is beyond happy to be reunited with his wife, Ella and his daughter, Lucy, but wish Rumple takes advantage of his love for them and traps them in the wish realm. He threatens Henry and explains that he will destroy his family unless he retrieves the Dark One’s dagger and brings it to him. Henry finds reinforcements when he goes to Regina, Rumple, and Nook for help. Regina reminds him that “we don’t negotiate with villains” and talks about the importance of sticking by your family and protecting it no matter what. They decide to go into the wish realm to save Ella and Lucy, using Alice’s cracked looking glass as a portal. While they do not really know what to expect on the other side of the portal, they are ready to face whatever or whoever gets in their way, including some familiar faces.

4

Old friends and enemies return.

In wish realm, Henry and the others come across several familiar faces that will have OUAT fans everywhere cheering. While the end of the show is near, it’s important that we look back on all of our past friends and enemies who have shaped the show and made it what it is today. While Nook gets some help from our old friend, Ariel, other not so friendly faces are lurking behind the corner. Peter Pan warns them as soon as they get to wish realm and Cruella holds on to her fur coat, but not her hair color unfortunately, as Henry later strips the black from her hair, which is the ink he needs for the Author’s Pen. While we know more familiar faces will be surfacing in next week’s series finale, these characters are not to be forgotten, as they provide us with a reminder and a sense of nostalgia of the earlier days of Once Upon a Time.

3

Rumple vs Rumple.

Rumple decides to have a talk with himself. He explains that he doesn’t want to force the dagger on an innocent and is happy to hand it over to him. He thinks that wish Rumple could be the loophole he has been searching for all along. But is he really ready to make a deal with his darker self? Rumple explains that the one enemy he can never defeat is himself and is ready to get the happy ending he has been searching for. However, Rumple has a trick up his sleeve, as he uses the squid ink Ariel gave them to trap him. Rumple is ready to defeat his alter-ego, but Regina walks in and wish Rumple escapes. While we know it can’t be that easy to defeat wish Rumple, it’s important that our Rumple is taking the necessary steps to finally do the right thing after repeating his mistakes over and over. Rumple truly loves Belle but is willing to sacrifice reuniting with her if it means saving his family. This transformation reminds us that it’s never too late to do the right thing and that having people in our lives who support us can make all the difference.

2

“None of my wishes came true.”

Like our version of Rumple, wish Rumple has not revealed his true intentions up front. We learn that he has another agenda and it involves Henry. Henry’s emotions are running high, as he is worried about the safety of his family, clouding his good judgment in the process. He makes the rash decision to obtain the Author’s Pen and is warned by the author to use it to record, but not create. Wish Rumple has been after the Author’s Pen this entire time and uses wish realm Henry as his instrument of destruction. Even though our version of Henry turned down Rumple’s deal, wish realm Henry never had a single wish come true and is broken from this. He is desperate enough to make a deal with wish Rumple and to rewrite history. We know this can be extremely dangerous and it’s up to our favorite heroes to put a stop to this before all of their stories are rewritten. After all, words are very powerful, but the intent behind them is what gives them their true meaning.

1

Tilly and Margot are ready to save the day.

Tilly/Alice gets a pain within her and recognizes immediately that something has gone terribly wrong. She and Margot/Robin go to Tiana for help. Tiana has been having doubts about her new role as a queen, but puts this aside when she stands in front of her people and asks them for help. Her words are inspiring and remind us that you don’t always have to possess magic in order to make a difference. Tiana’s words are enough and a magic bean is turned over to help Tilly and Margot get to their friends to save the day. Only they need to make a quick stop first to get some help from some friends. Next stop Storybrooke! I am beyond excited for the conclusion of the series finale next week, especially since some of our favorite characters will be returning. While it’s bitter sweet to see the ending finally arrive, I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds. How about you? Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below. Happy viewing!

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 last night, Henry’s words really described what this series is all about. “That’s the thing about stories. They’re more than words. They live inside of us. They make us who we are. And as long as someone believes that…there will be magic.” When you think about Once Upon a Time as it draws close to the series finale next week, you immediately think about believing in the impossible. The fairy tales we grew up with sparked our own imagination and creativity, shaping who we have become even if we don’t always see it. Words can be more powerful than we realize, allowing our feelings and stories to come alive across the page. Even when this series ends, the stories will live on, reminding us of the importance of taking a leap of faith when the world seems to be quite mad. It provides us with an escape that can inspire hope, love, and adventure. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, “Is This Henry Mills?” Regina desperately tries to get Henry to believe again but is running out of ideas. Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook and Rumple recruit Margot to help save Tilly before it is too late and the ultimate villain is revealed. My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 are:

5

“Because I can be very convincing.”

While helping Jacinda and Lucy pack for their trip with Henry, Sabine/Tiana is worried about Drew. After Lucy reveals that the back-pack is from Drew, she finds a tarot card hidden inside. Lucy immediately knows that this means that Samdi/Dr. Facilier will have an idea about what’s going on. Jacinda and Sabine/Tiana go to confront Dr. Facilier who has nothing to hide at this point, recognizing that magic is about to resurface again. He opens the closet door and reveals Drew gagged and tied up and suggests that the ladies join him. While we know that Dr. Facilier’s ultimate goal is to obtain the Dark One’s dagger, what does he have to gain by holding these characters captive? Is it merely to prevent them from getting in the way or did he have something else in store for them? It looks like we may never find out, as Dr. Facilier’s own fate is about to take a cruel twist. I wonder if he saw that coming in the cards.

4

“I’ve got nothing left to lose so let’s do this.”

Even though Regina is having trouble getting Henry to believe again, she refuses to give up. She turns down Gothel’s offer to join her coven and chooses the side of humanity, proving once again that the Evil Queen has shed its wickedness and has embraced what it truly means to be a hero. Even though Regina does not have magic in this world, she is not about to let Gothel win. She stands up to her and faces her, but is wounded after Gothel attacks her. While Regina may not be the hero to take down Gothel, her will to stand against her is commendable.

3

“I’m not like you. You chose hate. But I choose love.”

After Tilly courageously joined Gothel’s coven to protect her father’s life, she is now under some type of trance, trapped by the magic she is channeling. Rogers/Nook tells her that he will come back for her and save her and is ready to finally take a leap of faith. Rumple reveals to him that it’s all real and Rogers/Nook is finally ready to accept this and listen. When he asks who he is from the other realm, Rumple says, “All you need to know right now is that you’re a survivor…Captain.” Rogers and Rumple seek out the help of Margot, desperately hoping that she can get through to Tilly before it is too late. We learn that after each witch sacrifices all of their power to the spell, they turn into a tree in the eternal grove and it’s only a matter of time before Tilly starts growing roots of her own. Margot tries to talk Tilly out of this, recognizing that perhaps she is just having a really bad day and “maybe we can turn it into a good one.” Tilly refuses, however; and flings her in the air, shrinking her enemies into almost non-existence, as she remains trapped by the magic consuming her. When the curse is ultimately broken, Margot and Tilly remember themselves as Robin and Alice…or “Tower Girl.” When the words, “I told you we’d always know each other” are spoken, you can’t help feeling an overwhelming sense of warmth and love for these two characters. Their love for one another is so pure and good, proving that real love can truly conquer all. This reunion is put on hold, however; as Gothel still remains to be a threat. Gothel tries to tell Alice that she is like her and will not be able to defeat her, but Alice has her father and Robin by her side. She chooses love and turns Gothel into a tree, hoping that she can grow into something beautiful again and ultimately find peace. The curse is broken and Alice can finally be reunited with her father again and with her true love, Robin. Well deserved!

2

“Don’t you want to believe?”

During the episode, we flash to another timeline where young Henry Mills is approaching graduation and deciding on whether or not he should leave Storybrooke or stay behind with his mother, Regina. Regina has some doubts about Henry leaving, but she puts her feelings aside because all she really wants is for him to be happy. Grown up Henry is still having trouble believing, even after he witnesses all of the magic around him. Regina tries a memory potion and even digs up the “Once Upon a Time” second book from Victoria’s grave, desperately trying to help him remember who he is and what he believes in. Nothing happens after all of these attempts and it seems like Henry’s belief may really be gone forever, as he is unable to deal with the grief of losing the family he thought he had. However, Henry is failing to realize that his family has been right in front of him this whole time. Regina tries to tell him that the curse is not just a land without magic, but that they were brought to a different time, bringing time travel into the mix, and bringing me back to Lostonce again. Henry looks at the adoption papers Regina left with him and decides to take a very own leap of faith of his own by calling the phone number listed. Lost fans everywhere will remember the memorable moment in the episode, “The Constant,” where Desmond makes a phone call to Penny that saves his life and helps him remember who he is. The connection he had to his love, Penny was enough to bring him back. In Once Upon a Time, Henry is about to experience something very similar. When he calls, he speaks to his younger self and provides him with some really great advice. The conversation causes his memories to come flashing back to him, as he finally remembers who he is. After Gothel attacks Regina, Henry rushes to her side and kisses her forehead, breaking the curse for good in a beautiful moment. It was true love’s kiss after all, but for the mother who sacrificed everything for him. Magic is back and so are the memories that had been hidden away for so long. Young Henry gets it absolutely right when he says that “Storybrooke will always be with me.” Not just with you Henry, but with all of us and it’s hard not to shed some tears as we approach the very end. However, even though it seems like our happy ending has finally arrived, there is one more twist left.

1

“Did you really think a wish realm could hold me?”

After the curse is broken, Rumple realizes that the dagger is gone and immediately jumps to the conclusion yet again that Dr. Facilier is responsible. Rumple is finally starting to realize that he may not be able to get back to Belle and he wants to focus his energy on the family he has here. He even hesitates and doesn’t kill Dr. Facilier when he has the chance and Dr. Facilier mocks him by telling him, “You’re a shadow of your former self.” Who said that words could never hurt you? Dr. Facilier is stabbed with the dagger and the Dark One is responsible. Rumple will literally need to face himself and destroy the evil of the Dark One once and for all, but is he powerful enough to do so? We know that some of our favorite characters will be returning for the series finale next week. I am beyond excited and can’t wait to see how the story finally ends. Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below. Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 19 last night, Tilly got it absolutely right when she said that “it’s cruel really to be so close to happiness and kept so far away from it.” Revelations are finally breaking through the curse, however; but will our favorite characters get their chance at a happily ever after before the witches cast their spell? Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, “Flower Child,” we learn about Mother Gothel’s past and her motives. Meanwhile, Tilly finds out the truth about who her parents are and Lucy desperately looks for something that can save her father and bring her parents back together again. My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 19 are:

5

“Now you are the Mother. Remember what you were destined to blossom into.”

While it didn’t initially seem like Mother Gothel had any redeemable qualities, this glimpse into her past actually revealed a heartbreaking story filled with betrayal and loss. We learn that Gothel is a tree nymph and comes from a magical grove, but she is curious about humanity and wants to know what it’s like to be mortal. Gothel envies the pretty dresses the girls get to wear and the freedom they can explore, but lets her guard down when she is invited to teach some of her new mortal friends how to do magic. Gothel’s naivete prevents her from seeing the cruel and wicked intentions of her new “sisters,” who tell her she is an “abomination” and destroy her grove. Gothel is horrified to find her family dead and no longer feels like she belongs in any world. Gothel is not able to take her mother’s advice and turns her destiny of being the “Mother” of nature into a quest for vengeance against humanity. She recruits the first true member of her coven and it’s clear that she will not be finished until all of humanity pays for what they have done. While we know that Gothel must be stopped, this glimpse into her past allows us to understand why she became so cold and broken along the way, making her story that much more complicated. While we have seen other villains choose the path of good, Gothel only seems interested in furthering her revenge and confuses her coven with “family,” not fully grasping what this term actually means.

4

Lucy visits Dr. Facilier.

Lucy is not about to give up on her parents even though the magic that Dr. Facilier gave to Regina is gone. She asks if there is any more magic to help her father and proves to be “quite the blackmailer,” which amuses Dr. Facilier. He agrees to help her and explains that the first step is for her to find a symbol of Henry and Jacinda’s love. Dr. Facilier is not helping Lucy out of the mere goodness of his heart, however. He reveals that “a storm of witches is brewing” and that they will need magic to survive. Whatever his intentions are, he is willing to help and Lucy sets off to find a symbol. She goes through boxes of Jacinda’s old things and finds one box labeled “BL,” which means “Before Lucy.” In the box, she finds a bag from Granny’s Diner and for a minute I was worried that she might find some rotten food that Jacinda forgot about, but the broken glass slipper is inside, shocking both Jacinda and Lucy. While Jacinda tries to grasp the reality that she really is Cinderella, Lucy rushes off to Dr. Facilier so that her father can be saved.

3

“No matter how crazy…we’ll figure it out together.”

Gothel approaches Tilly and tells her that she is her mother. Tilly doesn’t welcome her with open arms, however; and tells her “you’re either a liar or a monster.” Gothel tries to feed her a story about wanting to change and looking for forgiveness, but Tilly walks away from Gothel and her false promises. She goes to the only real “family” she knows right now and Rogers/Nook tells her that they will figure it out together. Meanwhile, Gothel pays Margot a visit and takes some of her blood, refusing to abandon her plan now that she knows that Tilly contains the magic within her that will complete her coven.

2

“When I met you I loved you immediately…maybe because I already loved you.”

Henry and Jacinda have been getting closer and closer after realizing that Henry’s book might be real after all and that they did meet in another world in a fairy-tale. It’s surprising that these two haven’t shared a kiss yet, but they do hold out with perfect timing, as Dr. Facilier breaks the curse on Henry. The two finally kiss but Lucy is beyond disappointed when it doesn’t break the curse. Has Gothel’s magic interfered with true love’s kiss? Is there another way to break the curse and wake everyone up?

1

Tilly learns that Rogers is her father.

After Gothel takes some of Margot’s blood, she captures Rogers/Nook and lures Tilly to her. She tells her that she is her real family, but Tilly will not help her. She finally reveals that Rogers is her real father and offers her a choice. Tillly can join the coven or watch her father die. Even though Rogers tries to do the noble thing and tells Tilly not to give in, she cannot live in a world without her father. Tilly has felt alone and unwanted up until now and she finally has a chance at new love with Margot and old love with her father. She reluctantly joins hands with the coven and the spell is cast. Did she make the right decision? What has the coven unleashed? Will anyone be able to stop Gothel? Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below. Happy viewing!

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 18 last night, Rumple gives up his chance at true freedom to protect someone else from losing hers, proving that even he can show signs of a pure heart. Well maybe not completely pure, but his love for Belle is certainly pointing his moral compass in the right direction. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, “The Guardian,” Rumple tries to get to the bottom of Hansel/Nick’s mysterious death while Henry begins to question everything, desperately seeking something real and concrete. Meanwhile, Regina pays Dr. Facilier/Samdi a visit and Tilly/Alice and Margot/Robin enjoy an adventurous first date. My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 18 are:

5

Rumple crosses paths with Dr. Facilier in the past.

In this episode, we learn more about Rumple’s past. He has still been trying to find a way to free him from the dagger so he can be with his true love, Belle but is running out of time. Even though Belle is gone, he finds comfort in speaking to her and reveals his most vulnerable thoughts to her, clinging to a connection. Rumple’s thoughts are interrupted when Dr. Facilier shows up, reminding us that these two are no strangers in Hyperion Heights. Rumple and Dr. Facilier discuss how the new guardian must be “pure of heart” and that she will need to be tested if he ever wants to see Belle again. Rumple approaches the potential guardian, Alice with a test, desperate to save himself no matter what the cost. In present day, Rumple discovers Hansel/Nick’s body and knows that this was no accident. He finds a voodoo pin on the floor and immediately blames Dr. Facilier. When he discovers that the dagger has gone missing, he refuses to sit by and play by the rules.

4

Tilly/Alice and Margot/Robin go on a first date.

Undeniable sparks have been flying between Tilly and Margot as soon as Margot arrives in town. Margot even tells her mother, Zelena/Kelly that she wants to stay behind because of the potential budding romance. When Margot asks Tilly to join her for a day on the town, she means business, as she even comments that she is wearing lip gloss for the occasion. After a sugar-rushed treat, Tilly opens up and decides to show Margot her world. She brings her to a bookstore and tells her how much she loves it because she can go anywhere in the world without moving from this very spot. After Tilly has a minor breakdown, Margot reminds her that she is there for it all, including the bad. She gives Alice a bracelet similar to the ones she collected around the world and tells her, “This felt like an adventure to me.”

3

“Don’t make me ask you a third time.”

After Rumple discovers that the dagger is missing, he immediately blames Dr. Facilier and tells Regina about his concerns. He asks Regina for the magic she got from Dr. Facilier but she reminds him that this is the only thing in the world she has to try and save her son and his grandson, Henry. Regina tries to do what is right and confronts Dr. Facilier who admits to killing Hansel/Nick but not to taking the dagger. Regina takes him at his word, but is she being blinded by her unresolved feelings for him? Rumple refuses to trust him, however; and steals the magic from Regina. Later on when he realizes his mistake, he explains to Regina that he did what he had to do. Regina is beyond angry, however; and tells him that he hasn’t changed a bit and that she’s done with it. She tells Rumple, “you and I…we’re through,” and it looks like she means it.

2

Rumple makes the right choice.

After testing Alice, she passes with flying colors and is about to take on the responsibility of being the new guardian. Rumple has a change of heart, however; and stops her from doing this. He explains to her that “immortality is just another tower” and he can’t do that to her. This moment is touching and leads to one where even Nook thanks him for doing the right thing and shakes his hand. Rumple promises Belle that he will find another way for them to find each other again and it looks like his decision brought him one step closer to that. Even though it may not seem that way, Rumple’s decision to choose goodness will lead him to his happy ending. Only it just might take a while to actually achieve it. In present day, Tilly/Alice is hearing a buzzing in her head and shows Rumple that the dagger appeared in her bag. Rumple knows that Tilly is the true guardian, previously thinking it could have been Anastasia, but takes the dagger back and hides it away for now. Will Rumple make the same right choice now in Hyperion Heights? We’ll have to stay tuned, but Rumple’s path toward redemption is not over just yet.

1

Henry questions everything.

Henry doesn’t know what to believe after seeing the medical blood test report. He goes down to the station to talk more to Hansel/Nick, but is shocked to learn that he is dead. He asks Nook/Rogers if he can look around Nick’s apartment, which is clearly breaking the law and tampering with evidence, but Nook agrees all the same. Henry is not the only one questioning everything around him, as Nook/Rogers reveals that a medical report showed that Hansel/Nick was stabbed in the heart from the inside which is simply not possible. He asks a very important question, “What the hell’s going on in this town?” but it looks like we will need to wait for him to find out more. At the end of the episode, Henry shows the blood test results to Jacinda and tells her that he even called the hospital to confirm their authenticity. Henry finally realizes that Lucy was right all along and blurts out, “I am her father.” It looks like it will only be a matter of time before everyone wakes up and realizes that they are stuck within another curse, but will they be able to break it without consequences? Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below. Happy viewing!

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 17 last night, Zelena may be known as “wicked,” but it’s clear that all she really ever wanted was to be good. Even though she has made her fair share of mistakes, she deserves the chance to prove herself and to be loved for who she is. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, “Chosen,” Zelena/Kelly goes to Rumple for help since the “Candy Killer” has targeted her as his next victim. Meanwhile, Nook/Rogers figures out that Henry never made it to New York, Drew/Naveen gets closer to Sabine/Tiana, and Hansel/Jack/Nick reveals his motives. My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 17 are:

5

“I am tired of playing candy crush with you.”

In this episode, we get to see more of Zelena’s past and learn about her interactions with the witch from “Hansel and Gretel.” Even though Zelena is known as “wicked,” she begins connecting to Hansel and Gretel’s father who is blind and begins to let her walls down. Zelena feels that he sees her for who she truly is, which is something she has never experienced before and she wants to help him in return. Zelena blinds the witch and offers to give her sight to Hansel’s father, but he declines when his children run to him, revealing that Zelena knew they were being held captive. Hansel’s father is furious that she kept this from him, even though she tries to explain that she was just trying to protect him. Zelena’s chance of happiness is destroyed here and her anger re-surfaces, burning harsher than the flames she inflicts on Hansel. It is clear why Hansel holds Zelena responsible for a lot of the misfortune in his life, but it doesn’t seem like this Zelena still exists anymore. Like Regina, Zelena has found her way to redemption, but it is hard to maintain this when old wounds insist on re-opening.

4

Hansel reveals his motives to Henry.

Henry is still being held captive by Hansel and tries to keep his cool by keeping Hansel talking. Hansel reveals that Henry gave him a second chance because “Jack” had no past and earned the potential to be a true hero, something that Hansel had never experienced before. He has absolutely no sympathy for witches, however; revealing that he believes they are all bad and that the arrival of Henry’s family is what set him off on this path of revenge. Henry is still confused by this, as he doesn’t understand why Hansel is saying that Kelly/Zelena is his aunt, still clinging to the reality he has come to know so well in H Town. Hansel shows Henry the blood test results proving that he is Lucy’s father, but Henry still tries to come up with a rational explanation here.

3

Rogers/Nook reads between the lines.

Nook/Rogers has his suspicions and approaches Jacinda/Ella and tells her that he found Henry’s car abandoned and that he never made it to New York. Jacinda reveals her naiveté about the situation and explains that this could not possibly be true since she received text messages from Henry earlier that day. Nook/Rogers reads between the lines and they figure out that only Hansel/Nick/Jack referred to her as “J.” Nook/Rogers finds Henry and rescues him. Good thing Nook/Rogers didn’t need to dust off his emoji decoding skills.

2

“Trust is a powerful thing.”

Drew/Naveen shows up again and it seems like him and Sabine/Tiana are getting closer, as he helps her with her food truck business. There are definitely sparks flying between these two, but we know that Drew/Naveen has another agenda. Later on, Dr. Facilier shows up and reminds Drew that he is there to collect a debt. Drew/Naveen gives him one of Sabine/Tiana’s beignets for some sort of voodoo ritual. Even though we know that Drew is working for Dr. Facilier, what are their plans for Tiana/Sabine? We know that Dr. Facilier has several plans all in play at the same time, especially when he visits Hansel later and reveals that he is the one who woke him up and orchestrated everything. Will this get him one step closer to obtaining the Dark One’s dagger? Will anyone be able to stop Dr. Facilier before it’s too late?

1

“Must be a bitch trying to keep track of your driver licenses.”

Zelena/Kelly reveals that in this reality, she actually has a good life. She even explains, “at least Kelly didn’t kill a munchkin,” and you can’t help but feel sympathetic toward her. Kelly has a simple life here, including the love from a good man and a daughter that she is trying to connect with. Hansel refuses to let Kelly live her life here and tries to make her suffer by kidnapping her fiancé, Chad. Kelly/Zelena shows up and reminds Hansel to focus his revenge on her, desperately trying to protect Chad. After the threat is over, Zelena/Kelly tells Chad about her jaded past, minus the fairy-tale details, and he still accepts her for who she is, which is absolutely heart-warming and beautiful. It looks like Kelly/Zelena has a chance of true happiness here with the man she loves and her family. Kelly/Zelena’s redemption is that much clearer in this moment. While she is far from perfect, her willingness to change and protect those she loves proves that she is far from a villain. She’s our hero!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Timebelow. Happy viewing!

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 16 last night, Henry got it absolutely right when he finally realized that it’s not about having a good story. Rather, it’s about having a good life and making the most of it by connecting with the people you love and care about. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, “Breadcrumbs,” Henry is offered a job opportunity in New York, Nook/Rogers helps Tilly secure her own employment, and Zelena/Kelly tries to connect with her daughter. Meanwhile, Rumple/Weaver seeks out Henry’s help against the “Candy Killer,” which leads to Henry’s own encounter with the killer and Zelena/Kelly gets a gift that is far from sweet. My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 16 are:

5

H Town could lead Henry straight out of town.

Henry’s podcast is a hit with everyone and he feels like he is truly making an impact again. He gets a surprising phone call about a possible job opportunity in New York, where he would be able to produce podcasts for others. The only catch is that he would need to leave town and give up his own podcast in the process. While Henry is excited for the opportunity, he quickly realizes that this means he would have to say goodbye to Jacinda/Ella. But is he ready to give up on his chance at true love just yet?

4

“You want to break the curse as much as I do.”

Since Regina is out searching for items needed to break the curse, Lucy decides to spend the day with Zelena/Kelly. Zelena is very blunt with Lucy about the odds of everything working out and apologizes by telling her that it’s been a while since she’s been around kids. She confides in Lucy that she is having difficulty with her own daughter, Margot/Robin and has been continuing to lie to her. While it will be no easy task for Zelena/Kelly to tell her daughter the truth, she will have to be able to break down her wall sooner or later, especially now that we know that the killer is after her next.

3

Fake adventure turns into a real adventure.

In this episode, we learn more about Henry’s past and how he ended up proposing to Jacinda/Ella. Henry is desperate to seek out adventure with a great story behind it so that he can give Jacinda/Ella a ring with true meaning behind it. Nook offers to help Henry with this and suggests that they go after Davy Jones’s locker. This appears to be no easy task, however; as the two realize they need to sneak aboard the Jolly Rogers and deal with Blackbeard. After the star sapphire ring is revealed, Henry tries to fight his way to victory, but quickly realizes that this was all a set-up by Nook to give him the adventure he was looking for. Henry is frustrated, but the fake adventure quickly becomes all too real when a major storm approaches the ship. Henry realizes that Davy Jones wants his ring back and tells the crew to sail the ship closest to the eye of the storm so he can return it. The plan works like a charm and Henry has gotten his big story after all. Only he finally understands that he doesn’t need it anymore. He realizes that he doesn’t need a good story, but a good life and proposes to Ella with nothing to offer her but his love and devotion. Ella happily accepts and it appears that these two are destined for the happy ending they deserve. Now only if we can get them back to that in present day.

2

Nook/Rogers gets Tilly/Alice a job.

Nook made the right decision by agreeing to let Tilly stay with him, but he wants to help her contribute to society and get her life on the right track as well. He helps get her a job working on Sabine/Tiana’s food truck and Tilly is beyond nervous since she has never had a real job before. A few flirtatious remarks are made between Nook and Sabine/Tiana, hinting again at a possible romance brewing between these two. This is put on hold for now, however; as Tilly gets to work. After a few failed attempts to make the perfect beignet, Sabine/Tiana decides to give Tilly a chance at sales. Tilly is determined to prove her worth and is actually quite the sales woman. She comes up with the great idea to give out free samples and runs into Margot/Robin in the process. The two share a heart-to-heart conversation and sparks are flying again, as Tilly finally feels like she is connecting to other people again. Tilly is beyond excited that she is actually getting paid to do something she loves and Nook is extremely proud of her, the way a father is. Now if only he can remember that he actually is her father.

1

Rumple/Weaver goes to Henry for help.

Henry is surprised when Detective Weaver knocks on his door, as he is getting ready for his trip to New York. Rumple/Weaver explains that the “Candy Killer” is a fan of his work and they found a copy of Henry’s “Once Upon a Time” book at one of the crime scenes. Henry at first seems conflicted about helping Detective Weaver, as he is worrying about leaving for his job interview, but begins to have a change of heart when Rumple/Weaver tells him that Henry Mills was his favorite character. It wasn’t because he merely had hope and belief, but it was because he fought for these things. Rumple/Weaver tries to spark this in Henry again so that he will choose the right path. Henry realizes that the killer must be a character in the book too and is trying to re-write it. They narrow down the search and realize that the killer thinks he is Hansel, proving the fan theories out there to be true that Jack/Nick is Hansel. He is out for revenge against the coven because he holds them responsible for his sister’s death, but will this plan be put on hold now that Henry is on to him? Unfortunately for Henry, he lets his guard down with Nick and tells him about what he told Detective Weaver. Since Henry is now a threat to Hansel’s operation, he holds him captive at his place. We also learn that Hansel’s next victim will be Zelena/Kelly, as she finds her very own box of chocolates waiting on her doorstep. We will have to wait until next week to find out why Hansel finds Zelena mostly responsible, but we know that Zelena will not go down without a fight. Will she be able to stop Hansel? Will Henry be able to escape? Something tells me we need Regina to get back to town fast for back-up. Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time below. Happy viewing!